Businesses 'excited and nervous' as shops allowed to reopen from today

Businesses have urged residents to support them as they try to recover from eleven weeks of lockdown and The News has also launched its #supportlocal campaign – while encouraging everyone to stay safe.

Melissa and Wayne Hinks will be reopening their antiques and collectables shop, Freddie’s Funky Junk, today. The pair opened the shop in Albert Road in November last year and are excited to be opening their doors again.

Melissa said: ‘There are a lot of emotions we are feeling but mainly excited and also a little bit nervous.

‘It has been hard for the past few weeks and a small business grant has really helped us but now we hope as everyone opens again that people head towards their local and alternative shops.’

Shops will look a little different to customers today as businesses have had to adapt due to social distancing measures, including perspex screens, reduced hours, limited numbers of customers allowed in shops and increased hygiene and cleaning.

Andy Moore runs The 157 Store in West Street, Fareham and is ready to reopen today.

He told The News: ‘We have hand sanitiser, social distancing tape on the floors and a barrier at the front so people have to wait to come in. None of us know what is going to happen but I hope that people head back to their local shops and support the little guy.

‘We have seen a surge of support during lockdown for small businesses and we went from 3,000 likes to 10,000 likes as we gained customers from across the country who were ordering online with us and long may it continue.’

Today reporters will be out talking to businesses and shoppers in Commercial Road, Cosham, Gunwharf Quays, North End, Gosport, Fareham and Havant.

A live blog will also be updated throughout the day.

If you are a business opening today or a shopper out supporting your local shops then let us know by emailing [email protected]

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